1: Alex Smith, QB, Utah

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Much like Dalton, let's forget toss the numbers out when it comes to Smith. They just won't impress you. Smith's spot atop the rankings has more to do with the cultural impact he had.

Smith was the first quarterback ever to lead a non-automatic qualifier into a BCS game. Along with head coach Urban Meyer, Smith and the Utes thrashed Pittsburgh, 35-7, in the 2005 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, giving instant legitimacy to the young conference and forcing the BCS to change its rules in favor of greater inclusion for schools outside of the power conferences.

Smith was named MWC Offensive Player of the Year in 2004. The San Francisco 49ers made him the first overall pick of the 2005 .